Request for Proposals (RFP): Contract Lobbying Services

About the Steinberg Institute

The Steinberg Institute is a Sacramento-based nonprofit public policy institute dedicated to transforming California’s mental health and substance use care systems. Our work is guided by Vision 2030, a long-term strategy to end the cycle of homelessness, incarceration, and hospitalization for Californians with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. The Institute is a leading sponsor and architect of statewide behavioral health legislation and budget initiatives. We work closely with state leaders, providers, advocates, counties, and local governments to move complex policy solutions from concept to enactment and implementation.

Purpose of this RFP

The Steinberg Institute is seeking proposals from experienced contract lobbying firms to support and strengthen our advocacy before the California Legislature and the Administration. We are looking for a firm that will operate as an extension of our internal Government Affairs team, bring a strong Capitol ground game, and serve as a closer on high-priority legislative and budget efforts.

Scope of Services

1. Legislative and Budget Advocacy
   1. Direct lobbying of legislators, leadership offices, committee consultants, the Governor, and their key staff
   2. Advocacy on Institute-sponsored and priority bills throughout the legislative lifecycle
   3. Advocacy on budget proposals, budget subcommittee items, and trailer bill language
   4. Execution of targeted legislative outreach
   5. Active engagement during critical negotiation periods, including end-of-session and budget deadlines
2. Capitol Ground Game & Closing Support
   1. Conduct in-person and virtual lobbying meetings on behalf of the Steinberg Institute
   2. Maintain a strong, visible Capitol presence
   3. Leverage relationships to advance the Institute’s priorities and overcome opposition
   4. Identify vote paths, pressure points, and tactical opportunities
   5. Serve as a closer to secure final outcomes
3. Strategic Partnership & Coordination
   1. Work in close coordination with the Institute’s Director of Government Affairs and leadership
   2. Provide political information and advice
   3. Provide rapid-response support as legislative and budget conditions evolve

Desired Qualifications

The ideal firm will demonstrate:

• Significant experience lobbying before the California Legislature and the Governor’s Office
• Deep knowledge of legislative and budget processes
• Strong, credible relationships with members, leadership, the Governor, and key staff
• A track record of successfully advancing complex, high-impact policy initiatives
• Experience in behavioral health, health care, housing, or human services strongly preferred
• The ability to act decisively as a strategic partner
• High responsiveness, sound judgment, and collaborative working style
• Alignment with equity-centered, systems-level reform goals consistent with Vision 2030

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

1. Firm Overview
   1. Background, areas of expertise, and Capitol footprint
2. Proposed Team
   1. Key staff assigned to the account and their relevant experience
3. Approach & Strategy
   1. How the firm would support the Institute’s legislative and budget priorities
   2. What the firm’s strategic approach is
   3. Brief examples of comparable advocacy efforts
4. Capacity & Conflicts
   1. Anticipated level of engagement and availability
   2. Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest
5. Fee Structure
   1. Proposed fee arrangement
   2. Clear description of services included
6. References
   1. At least two professional references

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Effectiveness and credibility in legislative and budget advocacy
• Strength of Capitol relationships and on-the-ground presence
• Ability to function as a closer and strategic partner
• Alignment with the Institute’s mission and Vision 2030 goals
• Clarity and value of the proposed fee structure

Submission Details

• Proposal Deadline: January 16, 2026
• Submission Method: Please email by 5 pm on January 16, 2026
• Interviews: January 26-30, 2026

• Anticipated Start Date: February 16, 2026

The Steinberg Institute reserves the right to seek additional information or reject any or all proposals. Should you have any questions about the RFP or the selection process, please email Tara Gamboa-Eastman, Director of Government Affairs, at .